Lactoferrin, Fecal, Quantitative

An in vitro diagnostic aid to distinguish patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from those with inactive IBD, as well as from noninflammatory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Test may not be appropriate in immunocompromised persons, patients with a history of HIV and/or hepatitis B and C, patients with a history of infectious diarrhea (within six months), and patients having had a colostomy and/or ileostomy within one month.

Fecal lactoferrin concentration should not be interpreted as absolute evidence of the presence of a gastrointestinal illness. Other intestinal ailments, including many gastrointestinal infections and colorectal cancer, often result in elevated levels of fecal lactoferrin. Prediction of active and inactive disease should be based on a complete evaluation of the patient that may also include multiple fecal lactoferrin level determinations.

Fecal lactoferrin is sensitive and specific for detecting inflammation in chronic IBD. This noninvasive test may be useful in screening for inflammation in patients presenting with abdominal pain and diarrhea.